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1 [1] (October 31, 2017)

handle is hein.crs/crsmthmbdhv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: CRS Reports & Analysis Christian Holidays: Fact Sheet October 31, 2017 (R45000) Elizabeth C. Larson, Reference and Digital Services Librarian (elarson@crs lc gor, 7-2395) Related Author * Elizab-h C Larson Introduction Christianity is one of the three major Abrahamic faiths, alongside Islam and Judaism. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 70% of Americans self-identify as Christian.- There are a large number of Christian traditions, with great variation in which holidays are celebrated and how. This fact sheet highlights two holidays-Easter and Christmas-observed by a significant portion of Christian American denominations and addresses the ways these holidays are currently recognized in the United States. This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Christian holidays. It contains sample speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential statements and remarks, and selected historical and cultural resources. This is part of a series of Congressional Research Service fact sheets on religious holidays in the United States. Major Holidays and Observances With the exception of Christmas, the official observance of most Christian holidays is determined at the state or local level. Internationally, many countries celebrate these and other Christian feasts and liturgical days at the national level. Parliaments, banks, schools, and other institutions may be closed on these days. Easter Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the oldest annual Christian holiday or feast.2 The holiday is often observed by a special church service, followed by a family or community gathering that involves a special meal. Many Christians also include in their celebrations, processions or parades; egg dyeing, rolling, and hunts; and sweets gifting.3 Easter does not occur on the same date each year. It is observed the first Sunday following the first full moon on or after March 21. State and local governments do not typically observe Easter as an official holiday, although some do recognize other days related to Easter with early or all-day closings. For example, state offices are closed on the Friday before Easter in Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Tennessee. Christmas Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is often observed by special church services and community-wide activities, such as caroling. Although the celebration of Christmas varies greatly the world over, some

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